Pike Place Market PDA 50th Anniversary

Pike Place Market PDA 50^th Anniversary

Saturday, June 3, 2023

11am – 4pm

It’s our 50th Anniversary and we’re celebrating! Formed as a result of the Market almost being destroyed in the 1960s the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA) owns and manages this historic 9-acre Market. Every day we work behind the scenes to maintain and operate this historic 9-acre Market. From maintenance and facilities work to property management and event planning, we do it all! Come enjoy a summer day at Pike Place, learn about our history and enjoy Market activities in celebration of our commitment to this Market.

50th Anniversary Celebration

As we celebrate the long history the PDA has with this Market we invite Market shoppers and visitors to enjoy a day of fun-fill activities at the Market. On this day, Market-goers can enjoy immersive Market history activities, kids crafts, live music, special shopping offers and chances to win Market prizes.

Stay tuned for more details as we celebrate this special group!

History of the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority

Last year we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Citizens’ Initiative to Keep the Market! It’s hard to imagine the Market not being here, but 50 years ago, we almost lost it to a wrecking ball. In the early 1960s, the Market was a target for urban renewal and extensive demolition. In 1964 the Friends of the Market organization was established to advocate for preserving the Market and protecting it from being destroyed. Through the grassroots efforts of Seattle citizen advocates, the “Let’s Keep the Market” initiative was mounted on November 2, 1971; the Seattle community voted to save the Market.

In 1971 Seattle citizens voted to create a Pike Place Market Historic District and the Market Historical Commission to preserve Pike Place Market’s physical and unique social character. As a result of the public vote, in 1973, the City of Seattle created by charter the Pike Place Market PDA, a not-for-profit organization, to own and manage the day-to-day operations of the Market.

To this day, the PDA works behind the scenes every day to maintain the Market. From day-to-day operations to creating special events and daily roll calls to cleaning the full 9-acres. The PDA also works to increase farm and food retailing opportunities, incubate and support small and marginal businesses; and provide services for low-income people. These efforts ensure Pike Place Market is safeguarded for future generations.

Be sure to check out the Market’s FREE digital book to learn about the origin and unique history of Pike Place Market, Inside: Pike Place Market.